IFX International Soccer Study Abroad Programs - Alternatives to Youth Soccer Camps , Youth Boarding Soccer Camps, Youth Soccer Academies, Youth Soccer Camps, and Youth Soccer Team Tours Abroad.

Situated in the heart of Europe, Germany's diversity astounds the visitor. Live in Germany and discover medieval castles, charming villages, crystal-clear lakes and snow-capped mountains, the mystical Black Forest, pagan-inspired harvest festivals and of course the world-famous Oktoberfest. From the Holy Roman Empire to Otto von Bismarck's German Reich, Nazism and the rise and fall of the Berlin Wall, no other nation has molded Europe the way Germany has - for better or worse. Learn about German history, politics, language, and culture through interaction with your host family, friends, and locals.

Students who choose an academic year or a semester program in Germany will live with a host family, attend a local public high school, and play with a competitive German soccer club.

The German school system is divided into three types of schools that prepare students toward a vocational or academic future. IFX students will attend what is called the Gymnasium, a nine-year secondary school that provides a comprehensive general education for students who wish to continue their studies at the university level. Roughly 30% of German students attend the Gymnasium schools.

School subjects include language, literature and art, the social sciences, mathematics, science, and technology. Students are required to take classes in each of these categories.

As one of the world's footballing superpowers, Germany is home to some of the finest professional European clubs and players. Their extensive league system is comprised of multiple professional and semi-professional clubs that compete for promotion and relegation from one league to the next, year after year. This intensely competitive system has enabled the development of a stable economic soccer environment, for both professional and amateur clubs to enjoy professionally maintained facilities.

It is typcial in Germany that even the smallest of clubs will have their own home including a clubhouse, stadium pitch, practice pitches, and perhaps even a fitness facility. With top notch facilities, beautifully maintained grass fields, and perhaps the most efficient, intense, and tactically superior style, a player has no choice but to improve when in Germany.

Germany has consistently developed some of the top young talent throughout the world due to their knowledge and passion for the sport. With many clubs well over 100 years old, the expertise in German coaching and club management provides youth unlimited opportunity for growth and player development. Germany's youth Bundesligas, Regionaligas, and Oberligas (top 3 national youth leagues) are comprised of Germany's top youth talent, many of whom will enjoy a professional career in the future. Amateur and professional clubs alike all field their own youth teams, using their facilities and resources to mold their youth players to be units of their own professional team someday, or to be a valuable saleable asset. Their is no doubt that the German clubs now realize that their most valuable asset is their youth.

FARA players are placed within a competitive German football club fit to their level. Players are placed within a challenging football environment that allows tremendous opportunity for development, while keeping in mind their physical strength and technical foundation.

Although your afternoons will generally be occupied with your soccer training, Germany offers many wonderful activities to enjoy during your free time. Germans typically are very active and enjoy biking, hiking, swimming, and of course fussball. Music, the arts, and theater are strongly supported in Germany, with many opportunities for attending local concerts, street festivals, and plays. Weekend activities aside from soccer matches may include going for hikes, bike rides through the countryside, swimming, socializing with friends, and dancing at the discoteques.

Academic Year, Fall and Spring Semester students are given an orientation upon arrival in Germany. Players are placed with carefully selected host families throughout Germany. Ongoing program support is provided by an in country program representative. Public transportation throughout Germany is very accessible. Transportation costs are the student's responsibility, including daily transportation to and from school, if necessary.

Although students do not need a visa to study in Germany, they are required to apply for a residence permit for the duration of their stay. Students will be assisted in this process by a local representative.

Currently competing at a competitive level of soccer
One year of high school German language study, or demonstrated equivalent comprehension strongly encouraged, but not required
15-18 years old at the start of the program
2.5 GPA or higher (4.0 scale)
Flexible and mature personality; desire to be challenged, ability to remain open-minded and tolerant of cultural differences
A letter to your potential host family written in German as part of your complete application

LENGTH

DATES*

COST

DEADLINE

Academic Year Aug - July $13,950 March 31, 2010

Fall Semester Aug - Jan $12,700 March 31, 2010

Spring Semester Jan - July $12,700 Oct 31, 2009

*All dates are approximations and vary from year to year

NOTE: The FARA IFX program to Germany has limited capacity, so students are encouraged to apply well in advance of the application deadlines.

Round-trip airfare from a major international airport near your home (in the continental U.S.) including domestic and international flights
Airport transfers on arrival and departure
Homestay accommodation including meals with your host family
Placement in a local high school
Placement with a competitive German soccer club
Weekly soccer training
Participation in all soccer club tournaments, league matches, training camps, training sessions, etc, upon approval of registration by National and Regional Federations subject to FIFA transfer restrictions.
Soccer league fees, and club gear (shoes not included).
Ongoing support of soccer program aspect
Post-program support for college recruitment process including letters of recommendation.
Assistance with student visa application process
Student health and accident insurance
24-hour emergency assistance
Pre-departure orientations
Supervision, guidance, and support during the application process and throughout the program
Student Handbook

Passport and visa application fees as applicable
Personal expenses (e.g., toiletries, clothing, internet, calling card, activities)
School expenses (e.g., uniform/lunches, if required, supplies, bus pass)
Any other item not specified